70 
SANITAHY NOTES. KHAKTOUM 
If eonstnictecl as a double roof, as shown in section, Fig. 11, it is of course by far the most 
desirable arrangement. The outer roof is of very light consti’uction, and the air space between 
prevents any heat-rays passing through, and the light-rays are completely cut oft. 
Access to the roof should be given by an inside stairway, and tbe parajDet walls raised, or 
screen walls built to provide sleeping accommodation. 
The disadvantage of the flat roof is the difliculty of keeping it watertight. In localities 
with a heavy rainfall the sloping roof is therefore preferable. Fig. 12 shows the cross-section 
of a wooden bungalow with a sloping I'oof, which is extended to form the verandahs on both 
sides. 
Verandahs . — These should be provided on all sides of the house, or at least on the sides 
subjected to the sun’s rays. They should be not less than three metres wide, and constructed of 
timber if possible, which is cooler than masonry, as it does not retain the heat. They should 
come well down in front to a level at least half the height of the window openings, and it is 
recommended that they should even come down to within four feet from floor level. All 
verandahs should be ventilated on the roof near the ridge, and should have a ceiling lining 
with an air space between the joists, as shown in Fig. 11. The same figure also shows how the 
whole verandah may be enclosed by having a close boarded or lattice parapet and folding 
shutters above. Such a verandah, from which all hot air is excluded during the day, is sure 
to be very comfortable in the evening. 
Bathroom and Latrine . — The bathroom and latrine may be either detached from the 
house and approached by a separate verandah, or it may be a separate room of the house 
approached from the verandah. An outside latrine placed against a boundary wall to facili¬ 
tate cleansing, is the best arrangement where a conservancy system exists. 
Servants' Quarters . — The outhouses and servants’ quarters should be well aw'ay from the 
bouse, but the kitchen might be placed somewhat nearer and connected to the house with a 
covered passage if possible. 
Colours . — The colour of the materials or of the paint, affects to some extent the coolness 
of the house. 
In this connection. Major Woodruff says that “ the glare from white houses is very 
harmful. I have seen marked suffering in army posts before we abandoned the dangerous 
practice of painting everything white, and resorted to the colours found in nature to which our 
eyes are adjusted—the greens, dark yellows, and browns. It is a matter of common knowledge 
that, in a city, the glare from white houses is a great nuisance to the neighbours, and has been 
known to cause serious eye diseases. Hence, no white houses should be permitted in cities ; 
tbe red colour from the brick is bad enough, but the best colours are those above mentioned. 
In the Tropics these rules are doubly important, for the glare from the whitened walls is 
dreadful. 
“ In addition, white lead is known to absorb the infra-red rays as well as lampblack, and 
consequently it is a ‘ warm ’ paint in the sunshine, and w’ill cause a tropical house to heat up.” 
General .—When planning the house, care must be taken that so far as possible every 
room will get some share of the prevailing wind. The coolest houses are those with the rooms 
arranged round a central hall or courtyard, and those having two floors are generally preferable. 
Figs. 13 and 14 show^ plans of suggested arrangements. 
The house should be surrounded by a drain, and the w’ater from the rain-water pipes 
should be carried well away from the house. Dr. W. -I. Simpson ' recommends that there 
should also he a jiavement all round, sloped away from the basement, or a gravel walk; it the 
gravel is sharp it forms an obstacle to snakes. Beyond this, short grass is best, and all trees 
should be so far away as not to obstruct the ventilation or cause dampness. Any excavations 
' ■' The Maintenance of Health in the Tropics.” 
